14Jan

Unlocking the Secrets of Music Supervision: A Guide for Understanding How Music is Selected for Film and TV

Music supervisors play a crucial role in the film and television industry by selecting and placing music in productions. They are responsible for finding the perfect pieces of music to enhance the emotional impact of a scene, as well as ensuring that all music used is legally cleared for use in the production.

When selecting music for film and television, music supervisors look for several key elements. The first and most important element is the emotional impact of the music. The music should be able to evoke the emotions that the scene is trying to convey. For example, in a dramatic scene, the music should be tense and suspenseful, while in a romantic scene, it should be soft and melodic.

Another important element that music supervisors look for is the overall style of the music. The music should be appropriate for the time period, location, and genre of the production. For example, a period piece set in the 1920s would require music that is true to the era, while a contemporary drama would require music that is more modern and current.

Music supervisors also pay attention to the lyrics of the songs, ensuring that they are not inappropriate or offensive. They also consider the use of explicit language in the lyrics and whether or not it aligns with the overall tone of the production.

In addition to these elements, music supervisors also consider the budget for the production and the overall length of the scene. They look for music that fits the scene in terms of length and can be obtained at a reasonable cost.

Examples:

  • In the popular TV show “Stranger Things,” the music supervisor used a mix of 80s synth-pop and rock songs to create a nostalgic and eerie atmosphere that perfectly matched the show’s setting in the 1980s.
  • In the movie “La La Land,” the music supervisor used a combination of original songs and jazz standards to create a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere that perfectly matched the film’s setting in modern-day Los Angeles.
  • In the TV show “Breaking Bad,” the music supervisor uses a mix of rock and electronic music to create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that perfectly matches the show’s theme of crime and drug trafficking.

Overall, music supervisors play a vital role in the film and television industry by selecting and placing music that helps to enhance the overall emotional impact of a production. They must be able to find the perfect pieces of music that fit the style, tone, and budget of the production.

It is important for songwriters to understand that the process of selecting music for a film or television production can be time-consuming and complex. Music supervisors have a lot of factors to consider when choosing music, including the emotional impact, style, lyrics, budget, and scene length. They must also ensure that all music used is legally cleared for use in the production. Therefore, it is essential for songwriters to be patient with music supervisors as they work to find the perfect pieces of music to enhance the emotional impact of a scene.

One of the reasons why songwriters should be patient with music supervisors is that the process of music supervision is not always a straightforward one. Music supervisors often have to sift through hundreds of potential songs to find the perfect fit for a scene. This process can take a lot of time and effort, and songwriters should not take it personally if their music is not chosen for a particular production.

Another reason why songwriters should be patient with music supervisors is that the music supervisors are not always able to give a definite answer when it comes to choosing the right music for a project. They often have to go through a process of trial and error before finding the perfect fit. This can be frustrating for songwriters, but they should understand that this is just part of the process of music supervision.

In conclusion, songwriters should be patient with music supervisors as they work to find the perfect pieces of music for film and television productions. They should understand that the process of music supervision is not always straightforward and that it can take a lot of time and effort. Additionally, songwriters should not take it personally if their music is not chosen for a particular production and should understand that music supervisors are often going through a process of trial and error before finding the perfect fit.